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Physical Fitness and Device-Based Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Risk of Long-Term Sickness Absence-A
Valtteri Pohjola1, Katariina Sarttila1, Suvi Parikka1
1Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
European Journal of Sport Science
|June 8, 2026
Summary
High physical fitness (PF) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are linked to lower long-term sickness absence (LTSA) in working adults. Maintaining fitness and activity levels may support work ability and prevent absences.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Long-term sickness absence (LTSA) poses a significant burden on individuals and society.
- Understanding modifiable factors like physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) is crucial for prevention strategies.
- Previous research has explored links between PA and health outcomes, but long-term associations with LTSA require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between physical fitness (PF) and accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with the incidence of long-term sickness absence (LTSA).
- To investigate these associations over an 8-year follow-up period in the Finnish working-age population.
- To explore if these associations differ based on chronic disease status or the cause of LTSA.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study using data from the Finnish Health 2011 survey.
- Baseline MVPA was measured using accelerometers, and PF included cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and balance assessments.
- LTSA data (all-cause, musculoskeletal, mental health) over 8 years were obtained from national registry data. Negative binomial regression was used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of PF were associated with significantly lower rates of LTSA (IRR=0.39).
- Higher levels of MVPA were also associated with significantly lower rates of LTSA (IRR=0.35).
- These associations remained consistent across different chronic disease statuses and LTSA causes, though they became inconsistent over time for PA.
Conclusions:
- Both high physical fitness and regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are important protective factors against long-term sickness absence in the working-age population.
- These findings highlight the role of PF and MVPA in supporting work ability and preventing sickness absence.
- Interventions promoting physical activity and fitness may be beneficial for maintaining workforce participation.
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